I generally agree with the notion that politicians do not “create jobs.” Even governors who claim to have created jobs by “stealing” them from other states have not created jobs. They’ve just shifted them around.

It’s easier for politicians to kill jobs than to create them. But, in general, I consider the jobs record of most presidents, good or bad, to be more a matter of timing and good luck than anything else.

However, I believe there are times when politicians can legitimately claim credit for at least saving jobs. Others will disagree, but I strongly believe Obama did that in the case of the auto industry.

I also believe government investments in education, infrastructure and basic scientific research under both Republicans and Democrats have been a huge force in long-term economic growth. And economic growth is a job creator.

]]>By: RR senile columnisthttp://www.ibabuzz.com/politics/2013/05/21/honda-khanna-agree-super-bowl-l-is-good-news/comment-page-1/#comment-133921
RR senile columnistWed, 22 May 2013 02:57:08 +0000http://www.ibabuzz.com/politics/?p=23248#comment-133921Job creation is barely understood by economists and least of all by politicos and media types. Did Steve Jobs, Bill Gates or the gas station owner near your house know how to create jobs? Not in the beginning. The only jobs either H or K can take credit for are campaign jobs.
]]>By: GV Hastehttp://www.ibabuzz.com/politics/2013/05/21/honda-khanna-agree-super-bowl-l-is-good-news/comment-page-1/#comment-133919
GV HasteWed, 22 May 2013 02:43:36 +0000http://www.ibabuzz.com/politics/?p=23248#comment-133919Marga re– “I think it’s time to start pinning down Ro as to how he disagrees with Honda. On which votes would he have voted differently? ”

You know, Ro doesn’t have to just have a different view or different vote on issues to be a better candidate?
We don’t always keep candidates just based on whether the challenger has different opinions on each issue.

Sometimes it also greatly based on how effective and knowledgeable the challeger could be compared to the long time incumbent.
How effective they would be in supporting the new issues that will affect the district’s future and economic improvement.

As far as I know, Honda is not in touch with the main driving force of the district’s economy, the tech industry. Not entirely his fault, because he is simply of another generation.

Pete Stark wasn’t just defeated only because he and Swalwell differed on issues. It was about the ability of him to carry on into the future.

Honda is a nice guy, much nicer than Stark. But being nice isn’t going to infuse energy into the issues that need to be addressed in the district regarding the economic engine.

Like you, I don’t live in the district, but its either replace Honda now, or he is in office until 2018 or longer.
No way is Honda the best representative for this district in 2018 when he can’t really understand the needs of the primary economic forces for his people.
As such, this is a good opportunity for him to be replaced with a competent individual who knows what is going on.

]]>By: GV Hastehttp://www.ibabuzz.com/politics/2013/05/21/honda-khanna-agree-super-bowl-l-is-good-news/comment-page-1/#comment-133914
GV HasteWed, 22 May 2013 02:23:53 +0000http://www.ibabuzz.com/politics/?p=23248#comment-133914“Lest we forget: both men’s grandparents and parents overcame White racism during the 1930s and 1940s in Asia and North America. Both men are proud of their heritage”

Oh please. Nearly every candidate these days has parents or grandparents who faced some form hardship or discrimination. Three of my 4 grandparents came over by boat. Whats with this continued designation of “White racism”.. as though it is confined to that group and visited upon all other groups.

That kind of talk in the diverse Bay Area is getting old about now. How small a group is left that is white, male, etc? and of a age to have been responsible for such?

At least Honda can say he and his immediate family did suffer some direct harm, being in a camp. Though in doing so, it speaks to his age, being in the camp back in WW2.
Talk to people under 50 these days and even Vietnam is some ancient war.

However in the coming race, I’d leave that alone.
No use in trying to one-up each other as to who suffered the most many many years ago.

No this race will be about the future, not the past, or past suffering. Japanese and Indians are doing quite well in the district. Probably as well or better than any other groups of residents.

]]>By: RR senile columnisthttp://www.ibabuzz.com/politics/2013/05/21/honda-khanna-agree-super-bowl-l-is-good-news/comment-page-1/#comment-133889
RR senile columnistWed, 22 May 2013 00:02:18 +0000http://www.ibabuzz.com/politics/?p=23248#comment-133889Lest we forget: both men’s grandparents and parents overcame White racism during the 1930s and 1940s in Asia and North America. Both men are proud of their heritage. Neither man has very much to offer the voters except promises.
]]>By: Margahttp://www.ibabuzz.com/politics/2013/05/21/honda-khanna-agree-super-bowl-l-is-good-news/comment-page-1/#comment-133859
MargaTue, 21 May 2013 22:03:03 +0000http://www.ibabuzz.com/politics/?p=23248#comment-133859I think it’s time to start pinning down Ro as to how he disagrees with Honda. On which votes would he have voted differently?

So far all I’m hearing is “Ro is young and Mike is old”, which I can’t say is a particularly winning argument when the median voter age is usually north of 50.